The following report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks first aired Sept. 22, 2005, on Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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Whether they are seasonal or chronic, allergies are more than just a nuisance. If left untreated, they can develop into the more deadly breathing disorder called asthma.

There are things parents can do to protect their children.

Ear infections, eczema, cold-like symptoms, colic, diarrhea -- Taylor had them all. But like most parents, her mom didn't suspect allergies to be an early indicator of asthma.

"They'll go to the pediatrician and get antibiotics frequently, when the true underlying cause may be allergies and a whole different treatment is required," said allergist Dr. Dean Mitchell.

Taylor was very young when she developed chronic congestion, itchy eyes and a lot of skin rashes.

"It made me miserable because she was miserable," said Tonya Parker, Taylor's mother.

Allergy specialists said identifying the source of that misery early on is crucial.

"Studies now show we can prevent children from developing the later complications of allergic disease like asthma and chronic sinusitis," said Mitchell.

There are a lot of things that can trigger an allergy. The most common are dust, grass, cats and dogs.

It's easy to find out what's irritating a child. All it takes is a blood sample for testing.

"Within two to three days, you will have an answer as to whether or not your child is allergic, and specifically to what he is allergic to," said Mitchell.

Detecting the cause of allergies lets doctors develop an avoidance strategy, so the kids minimize their exposure to the triggers and avoid the likelihood of developing asthma or having an asthma attack.

"Sometimes they don't have allergies and the blood test can help rule that out," said Mitchell.

It turned out Taylor is allergic to cats, dogs, peanut butter, ketchup and other things. But a little manipulation let her keep her dog.

A primary care physician or a pediatrician can do the testing. Even if a child doesn't have the obvious symptoms of allergies, maybe his or her nose and sinuses get blocked up. Get the child tested and treated if necessary. It'll save him or her from a lot of trouble later on.